Photographic film advancing and processing apparatus having a protective device

ABSTRACT

A film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus including a pair of pressure-applying members having juxtaposed surfaces rotatably mounted for contacting and advancing upper and lower surfaces of an exposed film unit therebetween to distribute a layer of a processing composition upon a photosensitive layer of the film unit. One of the pair of pressure-applying members includes a pinion axially coupled thereto which receives energy from a motor connected to a power train whereby energy is transferred from the motor to the pinion to rotate the pressure-applying member in a predetermined direction. The power train includes an energy transferring system and a ratchet assembly which permits a transfer of energy from the energy transferring system to the pinion when the film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus is operating in a driving mode, and substantially prevents the transfer of energy from the pinion to the energy transferring system when the pressure-applying member having the pinion axially coupled thereto is manually rotated in the predetermined direction.

Ivester et a].

[ PHOTOGRAPI-IIC FILM ADVANCING AND PROCESSING APPARATUS HAVING A PROTECTIVE DEVICE [75] Inventors: Andrew S. Ivester, Charlestown;

Bruce K. Johnson, Andover, both of Mass.

[73] Assignee: Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge,

Mass.

[22] Filed: May 2, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 466,399

[52] US. Cl. 354/86; 192/46; 354/304 [51] Int. Cl. G03B 17/50 [58] Field of Search 354/86, 304; 192/46 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,531,825 3/1925 Webb 192/46 2,448,912 9/1948 Ress et al 192/46 3,017,976 l/1962 Uffman 192/46 3,200,918 8/1965 Horn 192/46 3,486,597 12/1969 Carlton.. 192/46 3,589,486 6/1971 Keich 192/46 3,604,329 9/1971 Land 354/304 3,683,770 8/1972 Land et a1 354/86 3,739,701 6/1973 Erlichman 354/86 [451 Dec. 23, 1975 Primary ExaminerRichard L. Moses Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Kenneth W. Anderson; Alfred E. Corrigan [5 7] ABSTRACT A film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus including a pair of pressure-applying members having juxtaposed surfaces rotatably mounted for contacting and advancing upper and lower surfaces of an exposed film unit therebetween to distribute a layer of a processing composition upon a photosensitive layer of the film unit. One of the pair of pressure-applying members includes a pinion axially coupled thereto which receives energy from a motor connected to a power train whereby energy is transferred from the motor to the pinion to rotate the pressure-applying member in a predetermined direction. The power train includes an energy transferring system and a ratchet assembly which permits a transfer of energy from the energy transferring system to the pinion when the film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus is operating in a driving mode, and substantially prevents the transfer of energy from the pinion to the energy transferring system when the pressure-applying member having the pinion axially coupled thereto is manually rotated in the predetermined direction.

11 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet 1 Of4 3,928,862

FIG. 1

US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Shet 2 of4 3,928,862

US. Patent Dec.23, 1975 Sheet30f4 3,928,862

US, Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet4 of4 3,928,862

PHOTOGRAPIIIC FILM ADVANCING AND PROCESSING APPARATUS HAVING A PROTECTIVE DEVICE RELATED APPLICATION This application is related to copending application Ser. No. 466,400 filed on even date herewith in the name of Loring K. Mills and entitled Photographic Film Processing Apparatus Having Disengagement Means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to photography and, more particularly, to an improved film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus for use with cameras of the selfdeveloping type.

2. Description of the Prior Art The prior art is replete with fluid-spreading apparatus for use with cameras of a selfdeveloping type. A variety of forms of photographic apparatus has been proposed wherein each film unit included in an assemblage of a succession of individual photographic film units is moved, following exposure, between a pair of pressureapplying members for releasing a processing composition carried by the film units and distributing the pro cessing composition within the film unit. Movement of successive photographic film units between the pressure-applying members may be effected by manually pulling or drawing each film unit by a leader or similar element attached thereto. The film unit is advanced by positioning the pressure-applying members such that they function to receive a portion of the film unit therebetween whereupon the portion of the film unit is grasped and manually withdrawn between the pressureapplying members towards the exterior of the camera. While beings essentially satisfactory, the apparatus necessitates a camera structure complicated by an inclusion of a requisite means for storing and manipulating a plurality of leaders such that each leader is made available on the exterior of the camera. A disadvantage inherent in this class of fluid spreading apparatus is a requirement that the photographic film unit be manually withdrawn from the camera between the pressureapplying members at a uniform rate and in a straight line whereby the processing composition is uniformly dispersed across a photosensitive layer of the assemblage. Failure to do so often results in an uneven spreading of the processing composition whereby portions of the exposed photosensitive layer not contacted thereby will remain undeveloped.

Another class of fluid spreading apparatus includes means for engaging the film unit near its trailing end and advancing the assemblage into the bite of a pair of non-rotating pressure-applying members as shown in US. Pat. Nos. 2477.324 and 2,873,658. A major drawback with apparatus of the type set forth in these two patents is that the film unit used in US. Pat. No. 2,477,324 must be substantially rigid or thick in order to withstand pressures exerted thereon in moving the assemblage into the bite of the pressure-applying members, while the film unit in US. Pat. No. 2,873,658 must be substantially rigid or thick in order to enable the film unit to drive the pressure-applying members as the film unit is moving therebetween. Increasing the thickness and/or rigidity of the assemblage adds to material and manufacturing costs and in a case of in creased thickness subtracts from compactness of a 2 cassette wherein the assemblage of film units is retained and the camera wherein the cassette is adapted for use.

An advancement in fluid spreading apparatus has been introduced wherein the film unit is advanced and processed subsequent to exposure by a motorized system. The system automatically, upon receiving a signal that the film unit within a camera has been exposed, advances the exposed film unit into the bite of a pair of pressure-applying members adapted to receive the film unit and thereby continues its movement at a uniform rate toward the cameras exterior while spreading a processing composition between elements of the film unit as shown in US. Pat. No. 3,776,l 18. A motor included in the system is connected by a gear train to one of the pair of pressure-applying members, thereby imparting rotary motion in a predetermined direction thereto and serves to advance the film unit between the pair of pressure-applying members to provide the film unit with complete coverage of the processing composition during a processing cycle. While serving to eliminate some of the undesirable features of the aforementioned fluid-spreading apparatus, the system does not provide a convenient method for manually rotating the pressure-applying members whereby remnant deposits of the processing composition may be removed therefrom, or more importantly, for manually withdrawing the film unit between the pressure-applying members to complete the processing cycle which may have been interrupted by a malfunction of the motorized system whereby the film unit lies arrested between the pressure-applying members in a partially processed state. Manual rotation of the pressure-applying member may present an excessive loading condition to each member of the system including the motor due to the necessity to overcome a mechanical advantage provided in the systems design which becomes a mechanical disadvantage when energy is transmitted back through the system which could lead to extensive damage thereto.

From the foregoing it can be seen that there is a need for a drive system for a fluid spreading apparatus having at least one rotatable pressure-applying member wherein energy may be transmitted to the pressureapplying member to rotate it in a predetermined direction but which substantially prevents energy from being transmitted by rotation of the pressure-applying member back through the drive system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates a photographic apparatus and, more particularly. to a film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus for use with a film assemblage of the type described in US. Pat. No. 3.799,770.

The film assemblage described in the aforementioned patent includes a film cassette of unitary construction including spaced forward and rear walls, a pair of side walls and leading and trailing end walls which cooperate to enclose a plurality of thin, flexible, film units preferably of the type more fully described in US. Pat. No. 3,415,644. The film casettes forward wall is provided with a rectangular exposure aperture which is generally coextensive with the area of the film unit to be exposed and at least one elongated slot which extends rearwardly along one lateral side of the forward wall and at least part way down the cassettes trailing end wall. The leading end wall of the cassette is provided with an elongated exit slot through which film units may be moved, one at a time, i.e., the slot has a The film assemblage is adapted to be located within a camera in position for exposure of the foremost film unit. Mounted within the camera is a film advancing apparatus including a film engaging member which is adapted to extend into the slot in the cassettes forward and trailing end walls and engage the foremost film unit at or near its trailing end or at its trailing edge prior to moving it through the exit slot in the cassette and into the bite of a pair of pressure-applying members mounted adjacent a leading end of the foremost film unit. The pressure-applying members are adapted to receive the film unit as it moves out of the exposure position through the exit slot and drive the film unit toward the exterior of the camera while simultaneously spreading a processing composition between predetermined layers of the film unit.

The camera is provided with a motor powered by the battery included within the cassette and operates in a driving mode to transmit power through a power train having one end coupled to the motor and an opposite end adapted to be coupled to a pinion axially coupled to one of the pressure-applying members thereby providing continuous movement of the exposed film unit from the exposure position within the cassette to a position between the pressure-applying members and the exterior of the camera. The power train comprises an energy transferring system and a ratchet assembly which allows rotary motion in only one direction whereby energy is transferred from the motor to the pinion for rotating the pressure-applying members in a predetermined direction and prevents a transmission of power back through the power train to the motor when the motor and the power train are no longer operating in the driving mode and an attempt is made to drive the system by manually rotating the pressure-applying member having the pinion in said predetermined direction. The rotating pressure-applying members continue the uninterrupted movement of the film unit toward the exterior of the camera while simultaneously rupturing a pod containing processing composition located near the leading end of the film unit and spreading the processing composition between layers of the film unit to initiate formation of a visible image within the film unit as is well known in the art. After the processing composition has been spread between the layers, the film unit is moved to the exterior of the camera out of the bite of the pressure-applying members where the user may grasp the film unit and after a predetermined period of time view the positive image of the scene photographed.

In a'preferred embodiment. one of the components of the film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus, i.e., the pressure-applying members. may be manually operated should a malfunction develop in the motor or in the power transmitting system or if the energy of the battery drop to a level wherein it can no longer drive the motor. The pressure-applying members are preferably pregapped to provide for initially spacing the pres- 4. sure-applying members apart such that the film-engaging member may advance the foremost film unit into a position wherein a leading end portion of the film unit is between the pressure-applying members. The separa tion of the pressure-applying members provided by the pregapping is substantially less than the film units thickness such that the pressure-applying members adjust by further increasing the separation to accommodate the film unit when received therebetween and subsequently return to the pregapped position upon passing of the film unit. Manual rotation of the pressure-applying members may be performed when the motor and energy transferring system are inoperative and out of the driving mode by rotating the pressureapplying member having the pinion attached thereto or by grasping the leading end portion of the film unit and pulling the film unit between the pressure-applying members whereby rotation of the pressure-applying members in a predetermined direction will continue to advance the film unit toward the exterior of the camera while simultaneously spreading the processing composition between predetermined layers of the film unit.

The ratchet assembly included in the power train comprises a ratchet wheel fixedly secured to a shaft and having serrations arranged about the ratchet wheels rotational axis and a pawl rotatably mounted upon the shaft which engages the serrations such that the pawl is captured between the serration included upon one side of the ratchet wheel and thereby rotates therewith when the power train and motor are operating in the driving mode. When the power train and motor are rendered inoperative, the pressure-applying member having the pinion axially coupled thereto ismanually rotated in said predetermined direction thereby advancing the film unit between the pressure-applying members and simultaneously spreadsthe processing composition. The rotary motion of the pinion is transferred back to the ratchet assembly whereupon the pawl rotates about the shaft and overruns the serrations of the ratchetwheel which remains stationary thereby preventing the transfer of energy from the pressure-, applying member to the energy transferring system coupled to the motor. Therefore, the motor and energy transferring system are protected-against damage from over-stressing the system and/or motor.

The power train is designed to provide a uni-directional drive to the pinion with each member thereof having a specific relationship to each adjoining member included in the system. Therefore, careful consideration must be given during construction thereof to a factor known to those skilled in the art as a mechanical advantage generated by the design which theoretically represents the ratio of a force exerted by a member to the force acting upon the member. When the power train is inoperative, an attempt to reverse the. driving mode from the pinion back through the power train to the motor operates at a mechanical disadvantage thereby subjecting the members included in such transmission to a requisite load which may exceed a permissible load established therefor in determining endurance strengths of each of the members and thereby may result in substantial damage to one or all of the members. The ratchet mechanism provides the film advancing apparatus with a device which prevents the transfer of energy from the pinion to the energy transferring system and the motor whereby the film unit can be conveniently withdrawn from the camera between the pressure-applying members or the pressure-applying members can be conveniently rotated in the predetermined direction and foreign substances removed therefrom without subjecting the system or the motor to probable severe damage.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a photographic apparatus including a film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus, a motor, a power train coupled to the motor operating in a driving mode to advance a film unit, subsequent to exposure, leading edge first into the bite of a pair of driven juxtaposed pressure-applying members whereby the film unit is processed and moved from an exposure position into a second position exterior ofthe camera, and a ratchet mechanism included in the power train which operates to transfer energy from the power transmitting system to a pinion coupled to one of the pressure-applying members for rotating the pressure-applying member in a predetermined direction when operating in the driving mode and substantially prevents a transfer of energy from the pressure-applying member to an energy transferring system included within the power train when the pressure-applying member is manually rotated in the predetermined direction.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus which, upon manual rotation of one of a pair of pressure-applying members, automatically isolates the pressure-applying members from an energy transferring system used to transfer energy from a motor to the pressure-applying member when a motor is operating in a driving mode, whereby the pressure-applying member may be manually rotated to continue the rotation of the pressure-applying members in a predetermined direction for easy removal of foreign substances therefrom, or, if a malfunction in the power train and/or motor renders the system inoperative and a film unit is arrested between the pressure-applying members in a partially processed state, the film unit may be manually withdrawn therefrom by grasping a protruding edge of the film unit and pulling the film unit until the film unit is clear of the pressure-applying members thereby completing the process without damaging the energy transferring system and/or the motor.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing the construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which are exemplified in the following disclosure and the scope of the application which will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus shown having a power train, partly in section, operatively coupled to one of a pair of pressure'applying members operating in a motorized driving mode;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the instant invention with each member perspectively shown in its related position;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side schematic view of a ratchet assembly of the power train shown operatively coupled in the motorized driving mode;

FIG. 4 is a side schematic view of the ratchet assembly of the power train being driven by manual rotation of one of the pair of pressure-applying members.

FIG, 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the invention shown with the ratchet assembly operatively coupled to one member of the energy transferring system of the power train and to a second member of the pair of pressure-applying members operatively coupled in the motorized driving mode;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side schematic view ofa ratchet assembly in a power train shown operatively coupled to the second member in the motorized driving mode; and

FIG. 7 is a side schematic view of the ratchet assembly of FIG. 6 being driven by manual rotation of the second member of the pair of pressure-applying members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A photographic apparatus including the present invention finds particular utility in the treatment of photographic film assemblages of the type including all materials required to produce a finished photographic print. The film assemblage includes at least one photosensitive image-recording layer adapted to be exposed to produce an image; a second, or image-receiving element adapted to be superposed with the photosensitive layer, at least during processing to aid in distributing a viscous processing composition in contact with the exposed photosensitive layer, and a rupturable container or pod including a viscous processing composition adapted, when distributed in contact with the exposed photosensitive layer, to produce a positive image. Film assemblages of this type may take a number of different forms including, for example, separate photosensitive and second sheets adapted to produce a single print or a plurality of prints; or individual film units each including a pair of layers of sheets coupled with or secured to one another in facetoface relationship and adapted to be exposed and processed to produce a single print. The viscous processing composition is supplied in the rupturable pod coupled with one or both layers and adapted to be moved together with the superposed layers through a passage between a pair of pregapped juxtaposed pressure-applying members; or the processing composition may be supplied from a source not associated with the superposed layers and dispensed between the elements for subsequent spreading in a thin layer during movement of the elements between the pressure-applying members. Each film assemblage or film unit is adapted to be processed by advancing the film unit, rupturable pod foremost, between the pressure-applying members for dispensing its contents in response to the application of compressive pressure to the rupturable pod. Accordingly, the film unit is designed to be advanced from the photographic apparatus into the light immediately after the viscous processing composition is distributed within the film unit, which indicates that spreading of the processing composition must be complete and effective to prevent further exposure of the photosensitive elements almost immediately as the spreading occurs.

Referring in more detail by reference characters to FIGS. 1 and 2-, the present invention comprises a film advancing-fiuid spreading apparatus 10 for use in moving a film unit 12 between upper and lower pressureapplying members 14 and 16, respectively, to spread the viscous processing composition by advancing a leading end 18 of the film unit 12 into the bite of the pressureapplying members 14 and 16 and driving the lower pressure-applying member 16 in a predetermined direction whereby the upper pressure-applying member 14 rotates in an opposite direction in frictional engagement with the film unit 12. The lower pressureapplying member 16 preferably receives power for rotation thereof from an electric motor 20 receiving energy from an energy source such as a suitable battery or a plurality of suitable batteries (not shown). A driving pinion 22 coupled to one end of a shaft 24 included on the motor 20 performs as a first member of a power I train comprising an energy transferring system and a ratchet assembly 26. The energy transferring system includes driving pinion 22 and a plurality of gears including gears 28, and 32 coupled to each other to provide a positive transfer of energy from the motor 20 to ratchet wheel pinion 34 fixedly secured to one end of a shaft 36 whereby the ratchet assembly 26 is rotated in a predetermined direction when the apparatus 10 is operating in a driving mode.

The ratchet assembly 26 comprises the ratchet wheel pinion 34 in mesh with and driven by gear 32 of the energy transferring system and fixedly secured to the shaft 36, including thereon a fixedly secured ratchet wheel 38 having a plurality of serrations 40 included within a recessed portion 54 of the ratchet wheel 38 opposite to the ratchet assembly pinion 34. The serrations 40 are provided for engagement with substantially resilient first and second arms 42 and 44 of ratchet pawl 46 rotatably mounted upon an opposing end of shaft 36 whereby the ratchet pawl 46 is rotated with the ratchet wheel 38 and retained within the serrations 40 when the apparatus 10 is operating in the driving mode. A ratchet pawl pinion 48 is secured to the ratchet pawl 46 rotatably mounted on the shaft 36 and serves to drive pressure member pinion S0, axially coupled to the lower pressure-applying member 16, thereby rotating upper pressure-applying member 14 in an opposite direction at a predetermined rate when a film unit is located therebetween.

The film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus 10 is constructed to deliver rotary motion in a predetermined direction and uniform output angular velocity to the pressure member pinion 50 and provides a unidirectional mechanical advantage whereby minimal input energy received from the energy source by the motor 20 is capable of delivering sufficient power to drive the energy transferring system. ratchet assembly 26 and the pressure member pinion 50 thereby advancing the film unit 12 at a rate which assures complete distribution of the processing composition across the exposed photosensitive layer of the film unit 12. Therefore, the motor 20 is dependent upon power input from the battery sufficient to provide for advancement of the film unit 12 between the pressure-applying members 14 and 16 at a substantially constant predetermined speed.

The lower pressureapplying member 16 constitutes a drive member for the pair of pressure-applying members l4 and 16 in that it includes the pressure member pinion 50 axially coupled thereto which in turn is coupled to the motor 20 through the energy transferring system and ratchet assembly 26 included in the power train. Pressure-applying members 14 and 16 are adapted to progressively advance the film unit 12 between the pressure-applying members 14 and 16, whereby a compressive force exerted thereon by the pressure-applying members 14 and 16 first effects a rupturing of the rupturable pod (not shown) containing the viscous processing composition and then serves to progressively distribute a released mass of the processing composition across the exposed photosensitive layer of the film unit 12 the film unit progressively passes therebetween.

Subsequent to exposure, a forwardmost film unit of the plurality of film units stored within the cassette in the cameras body (not shown) is advanced into the bite of the pressure-applying members 14 and 16. The motor 20 operating in the driving mode supplies energy to the power train which is transferred to pressure member pinion 50 to drive lower pressure-applying member 16 in a predetermined direction (as viewed schematically in FIG. 3). The motor 20 rotates shaft 24 and driving pinion 22 axially coupled thereto in a direction whereby gears 28, 30, 32 and ratchet wheel pinion 34 transfer energy to the ratchet assembly 26 and the energy is transferred to the pressure member pinion 50 for rotation of the lower pressure-applying member l6 in the predetermined direction.

It should be obvious to one skilled in the art that the energy transferring system may consist of any number of gears or rolling surfaces necessary for the transfer of energy from the motor 20 to the pressure member pinion 50 and that ratchet wheel pinion 34 may be excluded from the power train and gear 32 positioned to be in direct engagement with gear teeth 52 formed upon the circumference of the ratchet wheel 38. By displacing the serrations 40 about a center of the ratchet wheel's axis of rotation in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a moment arm from the center to a point of contact whereat the serrations 40 engage first and second arms 42 and 44 provides a line of action for forces acting to rotate the ratchet pawl 46 and ratchet pinion 48. While providing a suitable moment arm, the displacement requires the ratchet wheels diameter to be large enough to accommodate such an arrangement but may prevent the direct engagement of gear 32 with gear teeth 52 of the ratchet wheel 38 by developing an undesirable speed ratio therebetween for rotation of the pressure member pinion 50. Therefore, pinion gear 34 axially coupled to the ratchet wheel 38 introduces an alternative method of providing a predetermined speed ratio for establishing the rate at which the ratchet wheel 38, ratchet pawl 46 and finally lower pressureapplying member 16 rotate.

A primary consideration in constructing the apparatus 10 is to obtain a rate and a direction of rotation sufficient to advance the film unit 12 between the pressure-applying members 14 and 16, and to assure that the processing solution is spread completely over the exposed photosensitive layer of the film unit 12.

The camera includes a mechanism (not shown) which operates automatically to engage a rear edge 56 of the exposed film unit 12 and advance it from within the cassette into the bite of the rotating pressure-applying member 14 and pressure-applyiing member 16 whereby the film unit 12 is advanced therebetween to the exterior of the camera whereat it may be grasped by the user.

Continuous operation of the power transmitting system is a necessity during a processing cycle wherein the exposed film unit 12 is advanced between the pressureapplying members 14 and 16 and the viscous processing composition is distributed across the exposed photosensitive layer of the film unit 12. Should the film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus 10 fail to continue operating during the processing cycle due to one of a 9 number of possible reasons, e.g., a malfunction whereby the motor 20 fails to continue operating in the driving mode, or the power source, the battery, fails to continue to supply sufficient power to the motor 20 to complete the processing cycle, it is possible for a film unit 12 to be arrested between the bite of the pressureapplying members 14 and 16 in a partially processed state (as shown in FIG. 4). Failure to withdrawn the film unit 12 between the pressure-applying members subsequent to such a stoppage would result in a loss of the exposed scene recorded thereon. In order to complete the processing cycle, the film unit 12 must be manually withdrawn immediately from between the pressure-applying members 14 and 16 by grasping a leading edge 18 thereof and pulling the film unit 12 therefrom whereby the pressure member pinion 50 is forced to perform at a mechanical disadvantage in order to reverse the driving mode from an energy receiving pressure member pinion 50 to an energy supplying motor 20. Other probable danger areas to consider when the apparatus is operated in the reverse direction, i.e., from the pressure member pinion 38 to the motor 20, include overcoming built-in losses due to inaccuracies in forming and spacing gear teeth, inertia inherently included in the energy transferring system, and friction losses and a mechanical drag included in the motor 20 when at rest and inoperative. To reverse the driving mode from the pressure member pinion 50 to the motor 20 would substantially amplify a specified dynamic loading of each component of the film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus 10 in order to substantially advance the film unit 12 and possibly beyond such a systems design load despite a generous safety factor which may have been included in the design of each component, thereby subjecting the components to substantial damage, extensive repair and rendering the film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus 10 completely inoperative.

Accordingly, the present invention operates to permit a transfer of energy from the motor 20, via the power train coupled thereto which includes the energy transferring system and ratchet assembly 26, to the pressure member pinion 50 axially coupled to the lower pressure-applying member 16 for rotation thereof in the predetermined direction and substantially prevent the transfer of energy from thepressure-applying member 16 to the energy transferring system when the pressure-applying member 16 is manually rotated in the predetermined direction to continue the processing cycle of the film unit 12 in an uninterrupted mode as can be seen schematically in FIGS. 3 and 4. In FIG. 3, the ratchet assembly 26 is shown operating to transfer energy, received from the motor 20 through the energy transfer system operating in the driving mode, to the pressure member pinion 50 for rotation thereof whereby lower pressure-applying member 16 is rotated in the predetermined direction. When the apparatus is operated in the driving mode, ratchet wheel pinion 34 in mesh with energy transferring member, gear 32, and shaft 36 are driven thereby and serve to rotate ratchet wheel 38 axially coupled thereto. The ratchet pawl 46 having substantially resilient first and second arms 42 and 44 in full engagement with the serrations 40 included on the ratchet wheel 38 is driven by such engagement in the same direction (clockwise in FIG. 3) by the ratchet wheel 38. The ratchet pawl pinion 48, axially coupled to the ratchet pawl 46, is rotated therewith and serves to rotate pressure member pinion 50 whereby lower pressure-applying member 16 is rotated in the predetermined direction and the film unit 12 is advanced between the pressure-applying members 14 and 16. The serrations 40 include an inclined surface 58 for supporting edges 66 and 68 of substantially resilient first and second arms 42 and 44 of the ratchet pawl 46 thereon and a driving surface 60 for contacting first edge 62 and second 64 of the first and second arms 42 and 44 and to impart rotation to the ratchet pawl 46 operating a driven member of the ratchet assembly 26 and is rotated in one direction only by the rotation of the ratchet wheel 38 acting as a driving member. Therefore, the ratchet assembly 26 provides driving surfaces 60 for positive engagement and rotation of the ratchet pawl 46 whereby the ratchet assembly 26 serves as an energy transferring mechanism when the appara tus 10 is operating in the driving mode.

When the film unit 12 is manually withdrawn or the lower pressure-applying member 16 is manually rotated to remove deposits of the processing composition therefrom, the pressure member pinion 50 is manually rotated in the predetermined direction whereby rotary motion about shaft 36 is imparted to the ratchet pawl pinion 48 and the ratchet pawl 46. The ratchet wheel 38, shaft 36 and pinion gear 34 remain stationary while the substantially resilient first and second arms 42 and 44 flex and overrun the serrations 40 in a direction away from the driving surfaces 60 in contact with the inclined surface 58 of the serrations 40 of the driving member or ratchet wheel 38. The corner edge of first edge 62 and corner edge 72 of second edge 64 of first and second arms 42 and 44 are free to glide upon the inclined surface 58 of each serration 40 while rotating in the same direction established during the operation of the apparatus 10 in the driving mode with edges 62 and 64 of the substantially resilient first and second arms 42 and 44 moving in a direction away from driving surfaces 60 of the serrations 40 with the ratchet wheel 38 remaining stationary. As a result of the ratchet wheel remaining stationary, energy is not transferred to the ratchet wheel pinion 34 thereby preventing the transfer of energy through the energy transferring system and to the motor when the film unit 12 is manually withdrawn from between the pressureapplying members 14 and I6 and the processing cycle is completed.

A modification of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 wherein the ratchet pawl pinion 48 is in mesh with the pressure member pinion 50 axially coupled to the upper pressure-applying member 14. In FIG. 5 the ratchet assembly 74 and gear 32 of the energy transferring system are shown operating in the driving mode wherein the film unit 12 is advanced between upper and lower pressure-applying members 14 and I6 a result of a rotary motion transmitted to the ratchet pawl pinion 48 by the rotation of ratchet wheel 76, receiving energy from the motor 20- (shown in FIG. 1 through the energy transferring system driving first and second resilient arms 88 and 90 whereby the pressure member pinion 50 and upper pressureapplying member 14 are rotated in a predetermined direction.

In order to couple the ratchet pawl pinion 48 and the pressure member pinion 50 to the upper pressureapplying member 14 such that the upper pressureapplying member 14 is rotated in the direction necessary to advance the film unit 12 between the upper and lower pressure-applying members 14 and 16, a ratchet wheel 76 driven by rotation of a ratchet wheel pinion 34 axially coupled therewith and fixedly secured to shaft 36 must be rotated in a direction, shown in FIG. 6, which is in reverse direction to that shown in FIG. 3. In addition, the configuration of serrations 78 include on the ratchet wheel 76 must be modified to include a change in the direction of the slope on the inclined surfaces 80 of the serrations 76 whereby the driving surfaces 82, joined to one end of the inclined surface 80, are engaged by first edge 84 and second edge 86 of oppositely configured substantially resilient first and second arms 88 and 90 of ratchet pawl 92 for rotation of the ratchet pawl 92 and the ratchet pawl pinion 48 whereby the upper pressure-applying member 14 of the film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 is rotated in the correct direction when operating in the driving mode.

The previously described version of the present invention and the modified version perform in a similar manner and the operation thereof does not differ when the pressure member pinion 50 is axially coupled to the upper or to the lower pressure-applying member. The modifications herein described simply afford the use of the present invention with either pressure-applying member and permit energy to be transferred from the motor to the pressure member pinion 50 for rotation of either pressure-applying member in one of the predetermined directions.

When the film unit 12 is manually withdrawn or the upper pressure-applying member 14 having the pressure member 50 axially coupled thereto is manually rotated, the pressure member pinion 50 is rotated in the opposite predetermined direction thereby imparting rotary motion in an opposite direction to the ratchet pawl 92 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The ratchet wheel 76 remains stationary while the substantially resilient first and second arms 88 and 90 flex and overrun the serrations 78 in a direction away from driving surfaces 82 in a manner substantially the same as previously described during manual rotation of the lower pressure-applying member 16 when coupled to apparatus of the present invention.

Although gears have been shown as means for transmitting energy from the motor 20 to one of the rollers. it should be obvious that other suitable rolling surfaces such as friction wheels may be used for the same purpose. Also motor 20 may be battery operated, manually cranked or spring operated to drive the power transmitting system in the driving mode. It should be obvious to one skilled in the art that the ratchet wheels 38 and 76 could be formed to integrally include the ratchet wheel pinion 34; and ratchet pawls 46 and 92 formed to integrally include ratchet pawl pinion 48. Additionally, ratchet assemblies 26 and 74 could have an alternative position within the power train and thereby continue to transfer energy from the motor to the pressure member pinion 50 and prevent the transfer of energy from the pressure member pinion 50 to the motor 20 when the pressure-applying member having the pressure member pinion 50 axially coupled thereto is rotated in one of the predetermined directions.

This invention may be practiced or embodied in still other ways without departing from the spirit and essential character thereof. The specific and preferred embodiments described herein are therefore to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims and 12 all variations which come within themeaning of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:

l. Photographic apparatus for spreading a processing composition across a photosensitive element of an exposed film unit comprising:

a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members including at least one roller adapted to be rotated in a predetermined direction for spreading a processing composition across an exposed area of a photosensitive element;

drive means including at least one gear coupled to said one roller;

means for supplying energy for rotary motion of said drive means; and

means for transferring energy including a plurality of gears and ratchet means, said ratchet means including a plurality of rotatable members at least one of which is a gear, said rotatable members including a driving member fixedly secured to a shaft and a driven member including substantially resilient contact means rotatably mounted upon said shaft, said driving member having engagement means included on one side thereof for engaging said substantially resilient contact means of said driven member and cooperating therewith to provide unidirectional rotation of said driven member in transferring energy in a first direction from said means for supplying energy to said drive means and substantially prevents the transfer of energy in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, from said drive means to said means for transferring energy when said roller is manually rotated in said predetermined direction.

2. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said engagement means include a plurality of serrations coaxially arranged proximate an outer periphery of said driving member and configured to drive said contact means in one direction only.

3. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said resilient contact means include a plurality of arms angularly displaced from each other, each said arm having a pair of engaging surfaces in simultaneous engagement with more than one of said serrations during rotary motion thereof thereby substantially assuring positive engagement between said driving and said driven member.

4. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said driving member further includes a pinion axially coupled thereto and fixedly secured to said shaft for positively engaging one gear of said means for transferring energy.

5. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said driven member further includes a driving gear rotatably mounted upon said shaft and axially coupled to said driven member for positive engagement with said drive means whereby said roller is rotated in said predetermined direction.

6. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said pinion and said driving member are integral with each other.

7. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said driving gear and said driven member are integral with each other.

8. A photographic processing apparatus adapted to provide continued operation of amotor driven system for processing and advancing an exposed film unit from within a camera, said apparatus comprising:

a pair of juxtaposed rollers rotatably mounted for receiving and advancing therebetween the exposed film unit for processing thereof, at least one of said rollers including drive means thereon for receiving energy for rotation thereof in a predetermined direction thereby imparting rotary motion to said roller;

means for supplying energy for rotary motion of said drive means;

means including a shaft for transferring energy from said means for supplying energy to said drive means; and

ratchet means interposed between said drive means and said means for transferring energy, said ratchet means including a drive member fixedly secured to said shaft and a driven member rotatably mounted on said shaft, said ratchet means cooperating with said means for transferring energy to transfer en ergy received therefrom to said drive means for rotation of said roller in said predetermined direction when said means for supplying energy is operative and to substantially prevent the transfer of energy in a second direction, opposite to said first direction. from said drive means to said means for transferring energy when said means for supplying energy is rendered inoperative and said roller is manually rotated in said predetermined direction.

9. A photographic processing apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said driven means includes an inner member rotatably mounted upon said shaft including a plurality of substantially resilient arms angularly displaced from each other, each said arm including at least one contact surface thereon; and said drive member includes an outer member fixedly secured to said shaft including means for coupling said outer member to said means for transferring energy. said outer mem ber having engagement means included on a first side thereof for engaging said contact surfaces of said inner member and cooperating therewith to drive said inner member in one direction only when transferring energy from said means for supplying energy to said drive means and substantially prevents the transfer of energy in said reverse direction from said drive means to said means for transferring energy when said roller is manually rotated in said predetermined direction.

10. A photographic processing apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said means for transferring energy comprises a plurality of gears.

11. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said means for coupling said outer member to said means for transferring energy is a pinion fixedly secured to said shaft and a second side of said outer member for positively engaging one gear of said plurality of gears, said pinion being rotatably driven by said one gear for operating said ratchet means when said means for supplying energy is operative. 

1. Photographic apparatus for spreading a processing composition across a photosensitive element of an exposed film unit comprising: a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members including at least one roller adapted to be rotated in a predetermined direction for spreading a processing composition across an exposed area of a photosensitive element; drive means including at least one gear coupled to said one roller; means for supplying energy for rotary motion of said drive means; and means for transferring energy including a plurality of gears and ratchet means, said ratchet means including a plurality of rotatable members at least one of which is a gear, said rotatable members including a driving member fixedly secured to a shaft and a driven member including substantially resilient contact means rotatably mounted upon said shaft, said driving member having engagement means included on one side thereof for engaging said substantially resilient contact means of said driven member and cooperating therewith to provide unidirectional rotation of said driven member in transferring energy in a first direction from said means for supplying energy to said drive means and substantially prevents the transfer of energy in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, from said drive means to said means for transferring energy when said roller is manually rotated in said predetermined direction.
 2. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said engagement means include a plurality of serrations coaxially arranged proximate an outer periphery of said driving member and configured to drive said contact means in one direction only.
 3. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said resilient contact means include a plurality of arms angularly displaced from each other, each said arm having a pair of engaging surfaces in simultaneous engagement with more than one of said serrations during rotary motion thereof thereby substantially assuring positive engagement between said driving and said driven member.
 4. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said driving member further includes a pinion axially coupled thereto and fixedly secured to said shaft for positively engaging one gear of said means for transferring energy.
 5. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said driven member further includes a driving gear rotatably mounted upon said shaft and axially coupled to said driven member for positive engagement with said drive means whereby said roller is rotated in said predetermined direction.
 6. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said pinion and said driving member are integral with each other.
 7. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said driving gear and said driven member are integral with each other.
 8. A photographic processing apparatus adapted to provide continued operation of a motor driven system for processing and advancing an exposed film unit from within a camera, said apparatus comprising: a pair of juxtaposed rollers rotatably mounted for receiving and advancing therebetween the exposed film unit for processing thereof, at least one of said rollers including drive means thereon for receiving energy for rotation thereof in a predetermined direction thereby imparting rotary motion to said roller; means for supplying energy for rotary motion of said drive means; means including a shaft for transferring energy from said means for supplying energy to said drive means; and ratchet means interposed between said drive means and said means for transferring energy, said ratchet means including a drive member fixedly secured to said shaft and a driven member rotatably mounted on saId shaft, said ratchet means cooperating with said means for transferring energy to transfer energy received therefrom to said drive means for rotation of said roller in said predetermined direction when said means for supplying energy is operative and to substantially prevent the transfer of energy in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, from said drive means to said means for transferring energy when said means for supplying energy is rendered inoperative and said roller is manually rotated in said predetermined direction.
 9. A photographic processing apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said driven means includes an inner member rotatably mounted upon said shaft including a plurality of substantially resilient arms angularly displaced from each other, each said arm including at least one contact surface thereon; and said drive member includes an outer member fixedly secured to said shaft including means for coupling said outer member to said means for transferring energy, said outer member having engagement means included on a first side thereof for engaging said contact surfaces of said inner member and cooperating therewith to drive said inner member in one direction only when transferring energy from said means for supplying energy to said drive means and substantially prevents the transfer of energy in said reverse direction from said drive means to said means for transferring energy when said roller is manually rotated in said predetermined direction.
 10. A photographic processing apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said means for transferring energy comprises a plurality of gears.
 11. A photographic apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said means for coupling said outer member to said means for transferring energy is a pinion fixedly secured to said shaft and a second side of said outer member for positively engaging one gear of said plurality of gears, said pinion being rotatably driven by said one gear for operating said ratchet means when said means for supplying energy is operative. 